Most straight ladders and roof ladders of a certain length or less can be safely carried by one fire fighter. What is this length?

Most straight ladders and roof ladders can typically be safely carried by one firefighter when they are 18 feet in length or shorter. This standard takes into account the average weight and balance of ladders within this range, allowing a firefighter to maneuver them effectively without compromising safety.

Carrying a ladder longer than 18 feet generally requires two firefighters to maintain balance and control, as a longer ladder becomes unwieldy and increases the risk of injury or accidents. Therefore, the assessment of carrying capabilities is based on a combination of physical factors, such as height and the ability to stabilize the ladder while navigating various environments during operations.